Tokyo skyline. File photoTOKYO, Feb. 15 Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi again declined to answer a reporter's question about specific sanctions that Tokyo could impose against Russia in the event of an escalation in Ukraine, noting that the actions of the Japanese government would be determined by based on the actual situation in the region and in close cooperation with the international community.
"We continue to urge a diplomatic settlement of the issue. Japan's actions in the event of a military invasion, including the imposition of sanctions, will be determined based on the actual situation. We intend to act in close coordination with the international community, including with the countries of "G7", — said the head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
The day before, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at a meeting with the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, also said that if we assume that sanctions against Russia are introduced, then their specific content will be agreed with the United States and European countries, the Kyodo news agency reported. As Kyodo reported earlier , the Japanese government is considering imposing various options for sanctions against Russia in the event of an escalation in Ukraine. In particular, options are being considered for export restrictions on high-tech goods and the freezing of assets of legal entities and individuals from the Russian president's entourage. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry are currently agreeing. Recently, they have expressed concern about the alleged increase in «aggressive actions» by Russia near the borders of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied such accusations, saying that it does not threaten anyone and is not going to attack anyone, and statements about «Russian aggression» are used as an excuse to deploy more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously noted that statements The West about «Russian aggression» and the possibility of helping Kiev defend itself against it is both ridiculous and dangerous. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not bother anyone.